DHS Outreach Specialist *$1,500 Sign On Bonus

$1,500 Sign On Bonus

Pathways to Housing DC is an organization dedicated to ending homelessness and supporting recovery for individuals with complex health challenges. They employ a Housing First approach, moving people directly from the streets into permanent housing without preconditions. The organization offers a range of programs and services, including Housing First Teams, Homeless Street Outreach, an Urgent Care Clinic, Supported Employment, Behavioral Healthcare, and services at the Downtown Day Services Center. They also operate in Montgomery County, MD. Since 2004, Pathways to Housing DC has moved over 900 people into permanent housing and serves approximately 3,500 people annually.

The DHS Homeless Outreach Specialist plays a vital role within the Homeless Services Team at Pathways to Housing DC, dedicated to engaging and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. As part of a dynamic team, the Outreach Specialist focuses on implementing a comprehensive homeless outreach strategy for individuals living on the streets in our targeted outreach cluster.

Approximately 75% of your time will be devoted to directly providing vital services to individuals living on the streets or in shelters within the community. As a candidate, you must demonstrate comfort and adaptability in diverse environments, such as shelters, streets, hospitals, and encampments. While the role involves a significant amount of independent and self-directed work, a strong emphasis is placed on collaboration and teamwork. Shift schedules typically entail an 8-hour shift between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with flexibility to accommodate community needs, which may include early morning or late-night or weekend shifts. If selected, you will be required to work one late-night shift per week and two every four weeks. Late-night shifts will be scheduled from 12:30 pm to 9 pm during non-hypothermia months and from 2:30 pm to 11 pm in the event of a hypothermia alert during the season.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

●Ensure documentation of client notes are entered into HMIS within 48 hours of client engagement/collateral contact

●Conduct direct outreach engagement in the field, providing light touch engagement as appropriate and offering intensive case management services for a caseload of 30 people.

●Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversations, provide basic items like clothing and hygiene articles, and ensure a consistent presence for those in need.

●Assist individuals in applying for mainstream benefits, including Medicaid, food security applications, and Social Security disability, while identifying and providing in-depth referrals to housing, medical, and mental health services.

●Collaborate with external agencies providing services to participants, facilitate connections with housing service providers, and assist with document collection and storage for clients.

●Develop and update Service Plans in HMIS for each individual engaged in case management services, ensuring timely completion of assessments and necessary documentation.

●Provide appropriate referrals to medical and behavioral health service providers, establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.

●Perform related work as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

●Excellent communication, writing, database management, and computer skills;

●Bachelor's degree (or substituting experience for education requirement)

●Minimum 2 years of previous experience working in homeless/mental health/substance abuse/case management for vulnerable populations

●Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction theory/applications preferred;

●Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical skills preferred;

●Cultural competency and sensitivity to the needs of the target population

●Bilingual English/Spanish a plus;

●Knowledge of DC social service resources a plus;

●Driver’s License preferred.